"You cannot act like nothing happened, it's horrible" - Andrey Rublev continues calls for peace amidst Russia-Ukraine war
Russian tennis sensation Andrey Rublev continues to call for peace amidst the chaos of the Russia-Ukraine war.
Andrey Rublev defeated Alexander Zverev for the first time in his sixth attempt on Friday, moving one win away from defending his Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championships title.
The 25-year-old, who defeated Jiri Vesely in last year's final, will face compatriot and third seed Daniil Medvedev in the final. It is the first time since 1998 that two players from the same country will compete in the Dubai men's final.
Following that, Andrey Rublev, who has always been outspoken in his opposition to the Russia-Ukraine war, reiterated in his press conference that it is "horrible" that the conflict is taking place as it is causing ordinary citizens to suffer.
The 25-year-old admitted that it is "tough" to comprehend why the war is even occurring, especially given how it is taking place at the same time as the rest of the world is living their normal lives.
"You cannot act like nothing happened because it's horrible. Like I was saying all the time, it's crazy that so many just normal citizens suffering, dying. Is just not easy," Rublev said.
"It's not easy that it's happening in our time when we have all the mobile phones, Internet, social media. There is kids, they just want to do TikTok. In the end happens at the same time these things. It's tough to just understand," he added.
The Russian then expressed his hope that both countries would soon experience "peace."
"Of course it's affecting. Doesn't matter how you try to do other stuff. The only thing I hope that soon is going to be peace in every countries. Doesn't matter where," Rublev said.
"I hope is going to be peace in our countries. I hope is going to be peace in other countries where is happening the wars now. It's horrible in our time, this generation, can happen those things," he added.
"We'll see what's going to happen, I have nothing to lose" - Andrey Rublev on reaching the Dubai final
Andrey Rublev then stated that he was "happy" with his mental stability during his 6-3, 7-6(9) semifinal victory over Alexander Zverev, adding that he will see what happens in the final as he has "nothing to lose."
"I hope. I don't know if something clicking there in the head or not. But I hope," Rublev said.
"I mean, I'm happy that I was stable today mentally, especially on the tiebreak that I was able to be there, to play well. So we'll see what's going to happen. Now I have nothing to lose," he added.
The World No. 6 is aiming to become the third repeat champion in Dubai, joining Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.